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2014 Subaru Forester Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2014 Subaru Forester carries 2 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering switch and equipment. Owners report 7 recurring issue clusters, led by “Rear coil spring fracture.” Subaru's symmetrical AWD system places unusually high demands on differential fluid and transfer case service — skipping these is the most common cause of premature drivetrain wear. Older Subarus with the EJ25 engine (pre-2011) require timing belt replacement; FB and FA engines (2011+) use a maintenance-free chain. Subaru's published intervals below align with the owner's manual Schedule II (severe) which most US drivers qualify for.

2 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH

Campaign #19V149000 · Feb 28, 2019

Issue: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Forester, 2008-2016 Impreza sedans, 2012-2016 Impreza station wagons, 2008-2014 WRX sedans (including STI), and 2013-2017 Crosstrek vehicles. Exposure to certain contaminants may cause the brake light switch to malfunction, preventing the brake lights from illuminating and also preventing keyless ignition vehicles from starting and CVT/automatic transmissions from being able to be shifted out of Park.

Risk: Brake lights that do not illuminate properly will not alert other drivers that the vehicle is slowing or stopping, increasing the risk of crash.

Fix: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake light switch, free of charge. The recall began April 15, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUE-90.

EQUIPMENT

Campaign #13V159000 · Apr 24, 2013

Issue: Subaru is recalling certain model year 2014 Forester vehicles manufactured from January 2013 through March 2013. The backing for the carpeted floor mats was not manufactured to specification. As a result, the floor mats may curl when exposed to heat.

Risk: Curling of the driver side floor mat could distract the driver and/or interfere with proper operation of one or a combination of, the vehicle's clutch, brake, and accelerator pedals. Brake or accelerator pedal interference may result in very high vehicle speeds and make it difficult to stop the vehicle, which could cause a crash.

Fix: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace each of the vehicle's four (4) carpeted floor mats with new ones. These services will be performed free of charge. Subaru issued an interim notification during April 2013. Notification that the remedy is now available was mailed to owners on June 5, 2013. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's recall campaign number is WQH-44.

Recall data refreshed Sep 6, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2014 Subaru Forester.

Reported to NHTSA

Rear coil spring fracture

SUSPENSION

30 NHTSA complaints · 2019-08 → 2021-06

“DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AT APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH AND THE DRIVERS SIDE REAR COIL SPRING COLLAPSED. WE HEARD A LOUD METAL BANG AND WHEN WE GOT HOME I NOTICED THE COIL SPRING WAS BROKEN”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11289526
“BOTH REAR COIL SPRINGS FAILED AT APPROXIMATELY 6" ALONG THE BOTTOM OF THE COIL. BOTH FAILED AT EXACTLY THE SAME TIME. THE VEHICLE WAS UP ON JACKS AND AS I WAS REMOVING THE BRAKE ROTORS TO REPLACE THE ROTORS AND PADS I HEARD A LOUD CRACK FOLLOWED BY THE METAL PARTS LANDING ON THE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11242624

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Engine oil consumption

ENGINE

8 NHTSA complaints · 2020-02 → 2025-07

“I just found out that there was a problem with oil consumption in a 2014 subaru forester.I purchase it two years ago.Is there anything they can do to fix it”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11670685
“I HAVE HAD ONGOING ISSUES WITH THE OIL CONSUMPTION ON THIS VEHICLE. I HAVE HAD A COUPLE OF OIL CONSUMPTION TESTS RUN ON THIS CAR AND THEY CLAIM THAT IT PASSES, (EVEN THOUGH I CAN BARELY MAKE IT 4K WITHOUT HAVING TO ADD MORE OIL TO THE CAR) TODAY THE CAR IS BACK AT SERVICE TO FIX”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11307009

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Ignition key stuck in cylinder

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

10 NHTSA complaints · 2019-08 → 2024-10

“KEY GETS STUCK IN IGNITION, WONT COME OUT! THE VEHICLE IS STATIONARY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11243909
“THE IGNITION CYCLINDER WILL NOT RELEASE VEHICLE KEY. UPON TURNING OFF VEHICLE AND ATTEMPTING TO REMOVE KEY FROM IGNITION THE KEY WILL NOT TURN PAST ON TO THE OFF POSITION. IT CAN TAKE SEVERAL TRIES OF CYCLING ON AND OFF BEFORE THE KEY CAN BE REMOVED. ISSUE IS INTERMITTENT,”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11414175

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Unintended acceleration while braking or parking

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

18 NHTSA complaints · 2019-11 → 2026-03

“CAR ACCELERATED WHEN I WAS PRESSING THE BRAKE TO PARK MY CAR IN A PRIVATE COMPANY'S PARKING LOT. *TR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11325012
“I was driving my 2014 Subaru Forester (about 148,000 miles) behind a minivan at a safe distance and speed. Without warning, my vehicle accelerated uncontrollably. Despite applying the brakes, shifting into low gear, and using the emergency brake, I was unable to slow it down”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11700275

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Occupant detection system airbag sensor fault

AIR BAGS

35 NHTSA complaints · 2019-08 → 2025-04

“Occupant Detection System (ODS) system failure causes the front passenger-side airbag system to malfunction, which could mean that the airbag may not deploy during a collision. Although other model years have a product campaign bulletin for this issue (WUM-98R, NHTSA ID”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11566396
“The contact owns a 2014 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that the passenger’s side air bag warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where a diagnostic test was performed. The diagnostic test showed that the ODS (Occupant Detection”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11529127

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

CVT transmission failure

POWER TRAIN

8 NHTSA complaints · 2019-11 → 2025-03

“When cruising about 25mph the car gave a jolt, stalled, and then would speed back up again. All lights then flashed on. I brought it to the dealer and they did a diagnostic check coming back for CVT transmission. They also confirmed it is a known problem and had extended the”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11648162
“VALVE BODY SOLENOID INSIDE THE CVT TRANSMISSION FAILED AND FULLY LOCKED UP. SUBARU STATES THAT THEIR CVT TRANSMISSION NEVER NEEDS TO BE SERVICED BUT COVERS THE CVT TO 100,000 MILES. SHORTY AFTER A HUNDRED THOUSAND MILES, THE VALVE BODY SOLENOID FAILED AND SUBARU OF AMERICA”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11278564

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Liftgate strut failure

STRUCTURE

7 NHTSA complaints · 2019-09 → 2025-09

“Tailgate problem - car was in stopped position. I was unloading groceries so opened the tailgate. The tailgate opened and paused in it's highest position for a second and then slammed abruptly with intense speed. The speed of the closure is enough to injure someone or cause”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11430029
“The contact owns a 2014 Subaru Forester. While attempting to open the liftgate, the contact stated that the left strut on the liftgate fractured which caused the liftgate to independently close. Upon investigation, the contact discovered that strut bolt was corroded which led to”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11427126

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 11, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 11, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter

Every 6,000 mi

Replace 0W-20 full-synthetic oil and filter every 6,000 miles. WRX/STI 2.0L/2.5L turbo: 3,750 miles. Non-turbo FB engines: 6,000 miles severe / 10,000 normal.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 7,500 mi

Rotate tires every 7,500 miles. Critical on Subaru AWD — uneven tread depth across all 4 tires (>2/32") forces the center differential to bind, damaging the AWD coupling.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 7,500 mi

Inspect brake pads, rotors, calipers, and parking brake every 7,500 miles. Outback and Forester pads commonly last 35,000-50,000 miles depending on terrain.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Front Differential / Manual Transmission Fluid

Every 30,000 mi

Replace front differential and manual transmission fluid every 30,000 miles. CVT models use proprietary Subaru CVT fluid — a separate item.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$150–$195

Shop

~$105–$135

DIY

~$20–$50

Rear Differential Fluid

Every 30,000 mi

Replace rear differential fluid every 30,000 miles. Use Subaru 75W-90 GL-5 — substitutes can cause whining noises within months.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$150–$195

Shop

~$105–$135

DIY

~$20–$50

CVT Fluid (Lineartronic)

Every 30,000 mi

Subaru CVT models (Outback, Legacy, Forester, Crosstrek, Impreza, Ascent): replace Lineartronic CVT fluid every 30,000 miles severe / 60,000 normal. Subaru High-Torque CVT-II fluid only — incorrect fluid destroys the chain-and-pulley system.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$360–$500

Shop

~$255–$355

DIY

~$80–$180

CVT fluid is manufacturer-specific and pricey — do NOT substitute conventional ATF.

Timing Belt (EJ25 engines, pre-2011)

Every 105,000 mi

Older Subarus with the EJ25 boxer engine (Forester, Outback, Legacy 1996-2010): replace timing belt every 105,000 miles. FB and FA boxer engines (2011+) use a chain — no scheduled replacement.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$935–$1175

Shop

~$655–$825

DIY

Pro only

On interference engines, a snapped belt destroys valves. Worth doing on schedule. Bundle water pump + tensioner — labor is already there.

Brake Fluid

Every 30,000 mi

Replace DOT 3 brake fluid every 30,000 miles or 30 months. Subaru's brake hold and EyeSight automatic emergency braking depend on uncontaminated fluid.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Engine Air Filter

Every 30,000 mi

Replace engine air filter every 30,000 miles. WRX/STI: inspect every oil change due to the higher airflow demand of the turbo intake.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Spark Plugs

Every 60,000 mi

Iridium plugs every 60,000 miles on FB engines. WRX/STI 2.5L turbo: 30,000 miles due to higher cylinder pressures and EGT.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Super Coolant

Every 30,000 mi

Subaru Super Coolant (blue): first change at 137,500 miles or 11 years, then every 30,000 miles. Do not substitute green or orange — head gasket sealing chemistry depends on the formula.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 15,000 mi

Replace cabin air filter every 15,000 miles. Behind the glove box on most Subaru models.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

59 crashes 2010–2024

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

48

complaints mentioning a crash

3

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2014 Subaru Forester reflects Subaru's published service intervals. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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